Water safety

Wigan Fire Officers have launched a campaign designed to warn young people about the dangers of swimming in open water and playing on ice during the winter months.

The campaign is run in partnership with Wigan and Leigh Community Safety Partnership, Wigan Council and private land owners. Signs warning of the dangers of swimming in open water and playing on ice have been produced and put up at key open water sites. Work is ongoing to erect more signs along a considerable length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Radio and poster campaign
To promote the issue of water safety, posters have produced and put up in the local community buildings and an advert has been produced with local radio station Wish FM which will be played over the coming months.

Community Safety Officers from across Wigan Borough will also be visiting local schools before the summer holidays to reinforce the safety message as well as giving out literature to parents.

Listen to the radio advert (Windows Media Audio File - 654 KB)

Transcript of the radio advert
(Male voice) Even on a hot summer's day swimming in open water can be deadly cold. The cold water slows you down, your heart has to work harder, your muscles begin to slow. Your energy begins to fade and it doesn't matter how good a swimmer you are. Eventually it will paralyse you and you'll drown.

Remember swimming in open water like canals, quarries and lakes isn't cool it's cold. Freezing cold and cold water kills. Stay safe and stay out of the water.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, part of Wigan and Leigh community Safety Partnership.